We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maleah Taylor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maleah below.

Maleah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

Corporate America often misunderstands the nature and breadth of graphic design. They tend to overlook that good design, like all art, requires time and can’t always be rushed. The field of graphic design is incredibly diverse, encompassing various specialties such as traditional design, web development, 3-D modeling, and advertising. Expecting one designer to master all these areas is unrealistic. Additionally, different design functions—marketing, branding, and advertising—are distinct disciplines that require specialized expertise. Graphic design is more of an art form than an exact science, driven by creativity and subjectivity rather than strict rules. Recognizing these nuances is crucial. Personally, I started as a graphic designer but now identify as a multimedia designer, incorporating photography and illustration into my work, which shows the multifaceted nature of the industry.

Maleah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a Multimedia Designer who started as a fine artist before earning a degree in graphic design. While still in school, I began freelancing and have continued to do so alongside full-time work. I offer brand design and brand activation services, including identity design, photography, and illustration. Mentorship has been pivotal in my journey, with mentors from similar backgrounds inspiring me to uplift others in the same way. My personal artistic practice, especially in photography, remains vital to me, with recent solo and joint exhibitions showcasing my work.

I’m most proud of how my work is perceived—often described as “human-centered and emotionally driven,” which resonates deeply with me. My focus is on collaborating with women and POC-owned organizations, driven by a desire to uplift underrepresented voices. As a Black woman in design, I understand the critical need for diversity and mentorship, and I am dedicated to supporting aspiring designers from underrepresented backgrounds as a mentor and advocate.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was workaholism. I used to believe that constant production and working myself into the ground was the key to success. However, I realized that slowing down and making more strategic decisions—working smarter, not harder—was far more effective. Good art takes time to produce, and forcing productivity often does more harm than good. Implementing breaks and downtime has significantly improved both my professional and personal life, reducing pressure and leading to better outcomes.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

My network has been the best source of new clients for me. Since graduating in 2022, I haven’t actively sought clients consistently; Many find me through my connections. Though my network isn’t huge, it’s powerful. Being diligent, consistently showing up, and doing good work has proven incredibly effective in attracting new clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://maleahtaylor.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maleahtaylor/
• Other: maleahtay@gmail.com